John Mayer has recently found himself in a bit of trouble with the minority groups after his controversial interview with Playboy magazine and now gay rights groups are asking for an apology regarding his derogatory language.

Eastenders' Marc Elliot - Victim of homophobic abuse

EastEnders star Marc Elliott has admitted that he has received homophobic abuse in the street over his gay storyline.

Over the past few months, viewers have seen the actor's alter ego Syed Masood struggling to come to terms with his sexuality after falling for caterer Christian Clarke (John Partridge).

Elliott has now confessed that there has been a mixed response to the long-running plot - with some fans embracing the story and others keen to voice their disapproval.

The 30-year-old commented: "Since playing Syed I have really got it in the neck when I'm out.

A lot of people are supportive but there is still a huge amount of negativity."

Elliott said that he is able to laugh off the abuse, adding: "I haven't been threatened but there's a lot of cat-calling in the street. Any insult, I've had it thrown at me.

"It's an incredibly important part. In so many cultures being gay is still something swept under the carpet."

Elliott won the 'Best Newcomer' prize at the British Soap Awards earlier this month. The ceremony airs tonight at 7.30pm on ITV1.